Former Annapurna Execs Launch Private Division

Summary

A group of former Annapurna Interactive employees have acquired Private Division, a studio previously owned by Take-Two Interactive. This follows the departure of most Annapurna Interactive staff in September 2024 after failed negotiations with Annapurna Pictures CEO Megan Ellison.

Annapurna Interactive, known for publishing acclaimed games like Stray, Kentucky Route Zero, and What Remains of Edith Finch, experienced a significant staff exodus. Private Division, established in 2017 and sold by Take-Two Interactive in November 2024, also underwent layoffs following the sale. The buyer remained anonymous initially.

According to Jason Schreier, Haveli Investments, an Austin-based private equity firm, is reportedly the buyer. Haveli and the former Annapurna employees have allegedly partnered to manage Private Division's existing titles, including the anticipated Tales of the Shire (March 2025 release), the ongoing Kerbal Space Program, and an unannounced project from Game Freak.

Private Division's Transformation Reflects Industry Trends

The September 2024 exodus from Annapurna Interactive followed a breakdown in negotiations with CEO Megan Ellison. While Haveli's acquisition retained roughly twenty Private Division employees, some are expected to be let go to accommodate the incoming Annapurna team. The future plans of this newly formed entity, including potential new IP or projects, remain undisclosed, as does its official name and overall direction.

This merger of former Annapurna and Private Division staff highlights the instability within the gaming industry. Recent years have witnessed widespread layoffs and studio closures. This particular situation, where one group of displaced game developers absorbs another, symbolizes the industry's current harsh climate, driven by investor hesitancy towards large-scale, high-risk projects.